Kitzbühel

A glamorous Alpine resort town famous for hosting the prestigious Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race and offering year-round mountain activities. The charming medieval Old Town with pastel-colored buildings provides a sophisticated mountain village atmosphere alongside world-class sports facilities.

Things to do

• Hahnenkamm Downhill Ski Race — Witness or participate in one of the world's most prestigious and challenging alpine skiing competitions held each January on the legendary Streif slope.
• Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Hike — Trek to the 2,000-meter peak for panoramic Alpine views and traditional mountain hut stops along well-marked trails suitable for various fitness levels.
• Medieval Old Town Exploration — Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with pastel-painted 15th and 16th-century buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafés in the car-free historic center.
• Mountain Biking the Kitzbühel Alps — Explore extensive summer trail networks ranging from gentle valley routes to challenging alpine passes with bike shuttle services available.
• Schwarzsee Lake Swimming — Cool off in the pristine alpine lake surrounded by mountain peaks and forest, with a small beach area and nearby café.
• Eggerbauer Cheese Dairy Visit — Tour a traditional Tyrolean dairy farm to watch cheese-making and sample fresh, locally-produced alpine cheeses and dairy products.

Food to try

• Tiroler Gröstl — A hearty pan-fried dish of diced potatoes, meat, and onions topped with a fried egg, representing authentic mountain comfort food.
• Kaiserschmarrn — Shredded pancakes served with plum compote and dusted with powdered sugar, a beloved Austrian dessert especially popular after skiing.
• Speckknödel — Tyrolean bacon and bread dumplings served in broth or with sauerkraut, showcasing the region's tradition of hearty alpine cuisine.
• Fresh Trout from Kitzbühel Waters — Locally-caught mountain trout prepared simply with lemon and butter, highlighting the purity of regional freshwater fish.
• Apfelstrudel mit Vanillesoße — Thin pastry wrapped around spiced apple filling and served warm with vanilla sauce, a quintessential Austrian dessert found in every café.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Skiing Tradition — Kitzbühel is deeply proud of its skiing heritage and the Hahnenkamm race; visitors should appreciate the sport's cultural significance and the courage required to compete on the notorious Streif.
• Shop Closing Times and Sunday Rest — Most shops close by 6 PM on weekdays and remain closed on Sundays, so plan purchases accordingly and embrace the Alpine tradition of rest days.
• Alpine Etiquette on Trails — Mountain users follow a code of respect where hikers yield to mountain bikers, and all yield to horses; greet fellow hikers with 'Grüß Gott' as a local custom.
• Dirndl and Tracht During Festivals — During local festivals and the Hahnenkamm festivities, visitors will notice many locals wearing traditional Tyrolean dress (Dirndl or Lederhosen), reflecting pride in regional heritage.

Nearby

• Brixlegg — 39 km
• Zillertal Valley — 40 km
• Zillertal — 43 km
• Hallein (Upper Austria) — 48 km